November 2011
FightingBob.com readers talk back
Letter on: Bucks for Bucks?
“These stadium scams are REALLY sad. But rather than rant myself, I would refer readers to an excellent website "http://www.fieldofschemes.com" (based on a book of the same embedded name) that is maintained by a journalist Neil de Mause. He writes about the numerous stadiums and the surrounding controversies that take place in cities throughout the US. It's truly a perverse set of value priorities we have in this country...”
-Big Em | Milwaukee, WI | November 30, 2011
Letter on: No, not Santa, but yes, Greg Palast is coming to town
“Who are you addressing, anonymous mom in Janesville?”
-Steve Carlson | Trego, WI | November 30, 2011
Letter on: No, not Santa, but yes, Greg Palast is coming to town
“Seriously? Cognitive Dissonance did a *far* better job on addressing your non-issue about the recall petitions - http://cognidissidence.blogspot.com/2011/11/right-wings-complaints-highlight-right.html
Maybe you'd like to try again?”
-mominjanesvile | Janesville | November 30, 2011
Letter on: No, not Santa, but yes, Greg Palast is coming to town
“There's evidence that Dems and liberal groups have been telling people they can sign more than once, so it seems unlikely that this is a right wing trap. It seems more likely that paranoia is starting to take its toll on the anti-walker forces. It was, apparently, concern about petitions being destroyed that started the idea that people could sign more than one petition.”
-Steve Carlson | Trego, WI | November 29, 2011
Letter on: No, not Santa, but yes, Greg Palast is coming to town
“I was trained to collect signatures by the Dems. The message should have been that signing more than one time does not disqualify a signer. Indeed if a signature ends up being shredded by a false operative then there would still be valid signing. There's a good chance that this was simply a misunderstanding. To be sure ask for credentials. I was given a volunteer card to I.D. myself. Those considering trying to scam legitimate signers should be aware they are committing a felony.”
-Jim Limbach | Stevens Point Wisconsin | November 29, 2011
Letter on: Thanksgiving keeps on giving
“Thanks to everyone who continues to work for a peaceful & just world. We are the 99% and We Will Overcome.”
-Jim Limbach | Stevens Point Wisconsin | November 29, 2011
Letter on: No, not Santa, but yes, Greg Palast is coming to town
“I do remember reading the Wisconsin State Journal where it was stated that you could sign more than one petition. But the petitions were supposed to be from diffrent organizations, so maybe this is where some of the confusion came in.
I do expect to see every dirty underhanded trick played by those in power, I guess we already have seen a few tricks, but just wait as the saying goes you ain't seen nothing yet.”
-Michael Reinfeldt | Reedsburg WI | November 29, 2011
Letter on: No, not Santa, but yes, Greg Palast is coming to town
“Too bad no one thought of preaddressed postcards for collecting signatures. Collect them on the spot or mail them in. Much easier and probably anti-GOP agenda.”
-Pietr Haikuu | Hurley, Wisconsin. | November 29, 2011
Letter on: No, not Santa, but yes, Greg Palast is coming to town
“Grounds for prosecution??? Tampering with an election? Imprisonment??? Evidently no actual proof. Good idea to "get watching what's going on." Where are the attorneys on these kinds of issues... Vague stories of election tampering have been floating around the state from the gov's election to court election. As well, it is way past time to demand "truth in advertising" from Republicans....the lies that they throw on the screen cannot be substantiated, but where are people to press charges??? Or are there no longer any laws on the books to protect the majority from outright liars and robbers in disguise as the "righteous pretenders?"”
-mjh | Madison | November 29, 2011
Letter on: Comforting the comfortable
“People forget their own history. During the Hoover years the official government line was that private charity would do the most good. People really tried but.., it just wasn't enough to keep up and ever more people fell into great poverty and the situation kept getting worse.
Sound familiar?
It is the fashion now to re-write history and diss the New Deal but people forget WHY such vigorous government action was seen as necessary and good. Read "The Hungry Years" by T.H. Watkins and you will see that this time is more like the Hoover years than anything else. And Obungle is playing the role of Hoover.
History may not (exactly) repeat but it often rhymes. Unfortunatley there is no FDR replacement on the Democratic ticket. Just the Great GOP Continuity of Obama.”
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | (Glad) I Escaped, WI. | November 29, 2011
Letter on: Comforting the comfortable
“I am a very conservative republican, but I signed the recall because an unethical, devious person representing us is terrible. Not condidering other alternitives to getting the budget under control (by his perspective) was wrong. Taking spendable dollars out of people's hands is effecting tax dollars coming back to the state and the economy (Economics 101, if he would have not gotten kicked out of college) of all of us. I agree something had to be done, to now force cities to raise taxes to cover services not supported by the state is a dicotomy. But he didn't raise taxes the local governments did, shame on you SCOTT, you are not a leader, you have a pupit-master controlling you.”
-paul allen | oshkosh, wi | November 29, 2011
Letter on: Comforting the comfortable
“Saw Grover Norquist on one of the Sunday talking head shows and the poor guy is taxed so heavily that he can't afford razor blades.”
-nonheroicvet | Walkerbegone, WI | November 29, 2011
Letter on: How cold is it going to be?
“It is like Obungle has this pathelogical need to destroy himself. Doesn't he know it is getting really crowded under that bus? How many more potential voters is he going to just push away? What are we supposed to do, just huddle under the bus and let his exhaust keep us warm?
Come November 2012 it is not hard to imagine that Joe Cool is the one who will be left out in the cold.
Right now the country is divided between the Meanies and Weanies. The Meanies of the GOP want to stick it to everybody but their rich pals and the Weanies trip over each other in some effort to find a compromise with them. Welcome to Weanie World Obungle!
So tell me all you Obamapologists. How IS that Hopey Changey thing workin' out for ya there?”
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | (Glad) I Escaped, WI | November 28, 2011
Letter on: Money movement
“Many local community banks are also a good alternative. These banks are owned and managed by members of the community who are responsive to the needs of the community.”
-Katharine E Blumenthal | Madison, Wisconsin | November 28, 2011
Letter on: MJS has a story
“If Mercury, Harley or other manufacturers have reduced sales there is a need to reduce the cost of the workforce to keep the company alive. If there is not a need to produce a large quantity of product, there is not a need for a large workforce. That makes sense.
The state and most municipalities are not in the same situation. The need for public services still remains the same, or may have increased with greater need for public assistance.
For decades corporations have been screwing its workers to increase corporate profits and now for some strange reason some people think that screwing public employees it the right thing to do.
Screwing public employees will not turn our economy around. Fewer teachers in the classrooms will not better educate our children. Fewer people driving plow trucks this winter will not clear our roads faster and make them safer to drive on.
Can we ask our public employees to share the burden? Yes we can. Most are willing to do so.
Should we ask our public employees to bear the entire burden? I don't think so. That is not fair.
BTW
The 11 furlough days proposed for Waukesha employees is less than half of the 26 furlough days Scott Walker gave to Milwaukee County employees. A 10% pay cut. Don't worry. Walker gave his staff raises that compensated for the furlough days.
Too bad for those workers who had to bear the brunt of his cuts. But they probably weren't contributing to his campaigns anyway.”
-Greg Miller | Milwaukee, WI | November 27, 2011
Letter on: U.C. Davis--pass the pepper
“Not so sure pepper spray is part of the food pyramid.
When did cops become thugs instead of those serving the public's interest? Are cops receiving training from movies? Is there an underlying thirst for action and street justice? How many times have you seen a movie where a cop uses his/her intelligence to deal with a problem? It seems that it is always routine to pull a weapon and use it. It's too often that cops in movies are engaged in bullying, thuggery, fighting, maiming, torture, etc. There are good cops, yes, but there are also many who are itching for a fight or reason to use their arsenals.”
-Pietr Haikuu | Hurley, Wisc. | November 26, 2011
Letter on: U.C. Davis--pass the pepper
“The cops just wanted to be sure the kids got at least one serving of vegetables that day. After all they are supposed to serve and protect.”
-Michael Reinfeldt | Reedsburg WI | November 26, 2011
Letter on: U.C. Davis--pass the pepper
“When you witness the widespread abuses committed by state security forces at UC Davis, Oakland, New York, the list goes on, you must question whether there is any substantive difference between the United States and any other repressive regime. The police, most elected officials, and both political parties are servants of the wealthy oligarchs, they are not accountable to the people.”
-Ron | SoCal | November 26, 2011
Letter on: U.C. Davis--pass the pepper
“Call me a utopian idealist if you wish, but I've always subscribed to the quaint notion that police are supposed to apprehend people they believe to be breaking our laws, while the courts/juries are supposed to pass judgement, mete out penalties and (hopefully) reform/change lawbreakers' behavior. The key point is that police are the APPREHENSION arm of the law, NOT the PENALIZING body. This applies to the lowly jaywalking violator all the way up to the most vicious accused killer/terrorist --- the police are NOT there to punish the accused (or even convicted), they are there to SAFELY (for themselves and the suspects they're arresting) confine and move them as required by the courts. Yes, police need the right to use force when confronted with aggressive resistance in order to protect themselves, however it should be roughly PROPORTIONAL to the situation. If a suspect begins physically fighting and attacking an arresting officer, then it may be necessary to pepper-spray or taser them, and (sadly) it may even be necessary for deadly force to be used in certain potentially deadly situations. That being said, people shouldn't be shot, tasered, pepper-sprayed or otherwise injured just because he/she is non-violently uncooperative. In those cases, the suspects/protestors should be nonviolently removed, as is usually done nowadays. Is it a bigger hassle, is it a very frustrating situation, is it more expensive, and does it slow things down when police can't practice violent behavior to cow non-violent protestors? Yes, definitely, but it's one of the key protections that prevents us from quickly slipping into a police-state. And conservatives should agree with this stance, since next week it could be some of their tea-party brethren, or anti-abortion protestors who are on the receiving end-of this type of police policy.”
-Big Em | Milwaukee, WI | November 26, 2011
Letter on: The magic of the Wisconsin uprising
“Seeing the madness of Black Friday I can only come to the conclusion that all the protests of the Occupy movement have not reached many people. So far its main success has been one of entertainment and talking points for the professionally indignant. The great mass of the Americans still care more about that new big screen TV. I would call that a failure of the movement, at least so far.
I think you can say much the same about the Recall Walker movement. What is essentially happening is a response to a poll that asks if people are sick of Walker. OK, sure. Then what? Replace him with one of Wisconsins tired out, clapped out, witless and clueless Dummycraps? Which one? How many people would be signing those recall petitions if they could see what the alternative is? Maybe that is why the Dummycraps are holding out on us.
And then we have Obungle. What is his agenda for a second term? What does he want to do? We don't know because he can't, or won't tell us.
Not a pretty picture but, don't despair. Do what George W Bush told us to do. Go shopping. A little retail therapy will do wonders.”
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | (Glad) I Escaped, WI. | November 26, 2011
Letter on: The magic of the Wisconsin uprising
“What we used to call "Robber Barons" the Republicans now call "Job Creators."”
-Jeff Pieterick | Waterloo, WI | November 25, 2011
Letter on: Thanksgiving keeps on giving
“Thank you Ed Garvey for all you do.”
-Joe Gruber | Campbellsport WI | November 24, 2011
Letter on: Thanksgiving keeps on giving
“Too bad those "have" amenities don't include a good education, a job and health insurance. A chance for bettering ones lot in life would be good one also. I guess a future in America belongs to those who are born into wealth. Luckily the poor and middle class know what's important and are thankful for what little we have instead of seeking more and more crap.”
-Dole O'Mite | Waukesha County | November 24, 2011
Letter on: Pardon a personal celebration
“I have a raw feeling in my stomach every time I see the UC Davis pepper spraying video. How Orwellian! We are indeed in trouble as is every one of our rights. Sadly UC Davis chancellor thinks the university "needs" her. Another arrogant employee who thinks she cannot be replaced.”
-Franz Fripplfrappl | Madison | November 22, 2011
Letter on: Pardon a personal celebration
“With great amusement I have read Newt's comments on putting children to work. Do love one solution in particular. That would be to replace school janitors with kids. Yep, kids could work for a lot less money and the adults they displace would then be freed up to ponder the great mysteries of life and how to put food on the table. Keep 'em unemployed, impoverished and in need. We don't live in a Third World country yet, but those Republicans certainly are leading us there.”
-Maria Caliente | Middleton, Wisconsin | November 22, 2011
Letter on: Reasons to worry
“It is a real possibility that walker supporters could pose as recall signature collectors thereby eliminating many signers who think they have done their part.
This could be countered if properly entered signers names were posted on line at a secure site so they could check.”
-Paul Nonn | Deerfield Wi. | November 22, 2011
Letter on: Pardon a personal celebration
“Newt has some good advice. Just take a bath and come to Wisconsin - Scott has 250,000 jobs waiting for you.”
-nonheroicvet | Busy, WI | November 22, 2011
Letter on: The people returned to the Capitol
“If we can't run Aaron Rodgers for Governor (reported to be more popular than Mother Theresa and just a little less popular than Jesus), can we get his endorsement?”
-janeofdane | Madison, WI | November 21, 2011
Letter on: The people returned to the Capitol
“Its amazing how the left is never the party that hates or is divides us. However they are the only ones throwing a temper tantrum closing down parks, bridges, marching on family homes etc etc. No hate there.
Perhaps I would have more respect for you guys when the recalls for the dems on the Milwaukee county board who raised the employee contribution not 12% but to 25%. I guess that wasn't a attack on the middle class. When will the recall of Chairman Lee Halloway start at his house? I won't hold my breath on that one.”
-SAW | Waukesha WI | November 21, 2011
Letter on: Super Committee fails?
“Dear Mr. Garvey,
I had read the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel's front page story on the Bradley Foundation (Sunday, Nov. 21), as you certainly had. Before, I believed the Bradley Foundation was a good organization, providing financial support for the arts, schools, including the Milwaukee Rescue Mission, as well. They've even donated to the Milwaukee Public Library and several public television stations. Now, after reading this article, including your comments, I feel betrayed by the Bradley Foundation.
Conservative organizations such as the Bradley Foundation deserve more media exposure, yet I feel somehow this, and others you mentioned will go unnoticed, and this worries me. If the Bradley Foundation can get away with changing the shapes and ways we live in Wisconsin and in the United States, how can we as free born citizens fight back? Talk radio is full of right wing hate throughout this country, and our own Charlie Sykes is one of many. Newspapers, just like television, billboards, radio and so on, are own by a few giant multinational conglomerates, and with the level of partisan hate brewing in this state, now with citizens free to arm themselves with concealed firearms, I'm afraid I can't put an Obama sign out my front lawn in Brookfield because I don't want to get shot. This is wrong, Mr. Garvey, and I, like thousands of others, wish there's someone in politics daring as Robert M. LaFollette was, right now, at this moment. I want to believe there's goodness and hope in Wisconsin. Our ancestors in the Civil War died for us to live in a free nation, and hundreds of thousands came from Wisconsin. Do we have to live in fear when we go outside because someone doesn't like our viewpoints? Why did the Republican party, started in Ripon, lost its progressive roots? What can we do to change Wisconsin into a bright state with an honorable future again, where people can talk rationally? This is the Wisconsin I want. Corporations and foundations are winning battles for 30 years, and it's time we do something for the common good for all Wisconsin.
Sincerely,
John Martinson”
-John Martinson | Brookfield, Wisconsin | November 21, 2011
Letter on: Super Committee fails?
“Grover Norquist is a bully. He has bullied Republicans into doing his will instead or their own. Americans, we are the by-standers allowing this to happen. As I tell my children, it is not OK to do nothing when we see a bully. We need to call him out, show what he is and what he has done and let Washington know that our votes are not for sale. Republican or Democrat we will vote our conscience. All the money in the world is not enough to purchase us. He can flood the media with his messages, but we are not required to listen and follow. We do not have to give in to his threats. Our elected representatives in congress need to have the strength to say no and the integrity to do what is right instead of what will get them reelected. This is not about keeping a job, it is about ethics and courage.”
-Debby O'Dean | Santa Fe, NM | November 21, 2011
Letter on: Super Committee fails?
“Police have become paramilitary forces owned and controlled by the powers that be. When threatened, the powers send out the troops to restore order as the powers perceive it. That cop spraying pepper spray actually looked like he was enjoying his 15 minutes of fame. Did he act on his own or was there a directive from on high? Will an inquiry by UC Davis know the difference?”
-Pietr Haikuu | Hurley, Wisc. | November 21, 2011
Letter on: Super Committee fails?
“Norkwurst, Bradley Foundation, Koch Bros., etc.
Any doubt that we are now a Fascist Plutocracy has been removed.
Our politicians are cowardly whores. It is long past time for a third party that concentrates on legislative seats and for a general strike. The bastards already have most of the money, don't give them the little you have left. Stay home, don't spend one dime more than you have to, and let them know you are doing it, and why.”
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | (Glad) I Escaped, WI. | November 21, 2011
Letter on: The people returned to the Capitol
“We have been taught by the right media (Rush and Fox etc) to hate one another....hate that teacher who made a difference in your life, hate that fire fighter and police who risks life in dangerous situations, hate the person out of work, hate your union neighbor, hate anyone who may have it better than you...hate anyone who didn't "pull themselves up by the bootstraps" like you...hate and be afraid. That is how it works to be manipulated by the right wing machine. That is the message we will see for the millions poured into Walker ads. Don't be manipulated!”
-Three Lakes | Three Lakes, WIsconsin | November 20, 2011
Letter on: Jobs, Jobs
“Very good point about the fact that you can download, sign your own petition and return, contrary to what the State Treasurer believes, see the story - http://www.politifact.com/wisconsin/statements/2011/nov/18/kurt-schuller/state-treasurer-kurt-schuller-says-recall-petition/
P.S. This time PolitiFact seems to have gotten it right!”
-Bob Franze | Waukesha, Wi. (Beloiter by birth!) | November 20, 2011
Letter on: Safety schmafety
“We watch tons of movies and I'm confident I know how to handle a gun. All you need do is load, aim and shoot. It's always the other guy who gets shot. Why would I want to take a gun safety class?”
-Steve | Rio WI | November 20, 2011
Letter on: 'It's not even about Scott Brown'
“While visiting Marquette Co I met many happy and cordial signers of recall petitions as well as many miserably unhappy malcontents who took great delight in flipping middle fingers and cussing at us. Officially now in Marquette Co I am a "dickhead," whatever the heck that is. Met a fellow who still insists that Wisconsin is broke and who had no response when I brought up the issue of Walker's breaks for corporations and his cronies. He argued that the recall is going to cost us hundreds of thousands of dollars yet he could not make the connection between jobs and abstinence soon to become the norm in our schools.
I did meet a charming woman who works as a teacher. I told her what I heard that teachers all make $100,000 a year and only work 36 hrs a week for 9 months. Now she wants that job.”
-Franz Fripplfrappl | Madison | November 20, 2011
Letter on: The people returned to the Capitol
“I'm learning I am more tolerant than I ever thought. While collecting recall signatures in rural Wisconsin, I have had people flip the bird, call me names and yell obscenities. Several people have stopped to argue. I've learned some new words, but my mother wouldn't approve. As I sort through all the comments, my favorite remains "20 more years for Scott Walker". Now, that's a thought. Can't figure out why the anger and hateful displays of "affection". Walker has certainly divided the state and turned friends and neighbors against one another. At least I haven't been shot at yet. I look pretty good in blaze orange. Hope the pot shots miss.”
-Pietr Haikuu | Hurley, Wisconsin | November 20, 2011
Letter on: Safety schmafety
“FF - Yeah, I agree with you 100% about the myth* of 2nd Amendment private gun ownership 'rights'. But with the anachronistic self-indulgence of a lot of hunters, assorted gun-nuts, the NRA, and manipulative right-winger politicians, here we are. Today's MJS even listed the voting outcomes in the US Congress to allow a concealed-carrier's home-state laws to rule when he/she goes to another state, which is apparently going to pass. Even Dems have gotten into the pandering and many voted for it. Outside of tax payments by temporary out-of-state residents, I don't know of another instance where this type of legal authority is countenanced, and certainly not for something as potentially deadly as concealed handguns.
(* see following link for a good -- albeit brief -- historical account of the background of the 2nd amendment http://www.wsws.org/articles/2008/jun2008/guns-j28.shtml )”
-Eddie | Oak Creek, WI | November 20, 2011
Letter on: Safety schmafety
“I'm still trying to figure out where in the second amendment it gives all the gun rights those gun lovers think they have. The words "concealed carry" do not appear. The amendment is written in simple and very vague terms based on technologies, concepts, needs and realities at the time the constitution was drafted. I have often wondered if we'd have the same poorly worded amendment if the constitution were written today.”
-Franz Fripplfrappl | Madison | November 20, 2011
Letter on: 'It's not even about Scott Brown'
“A Walker supporter and business owner in Reedsburg used a forklift to move a 95 year old womans car out of his parking lot. She had parked there and went across the street to sign the petition. He claimed he needed to unload a truck. Funny thing is the police station is right across the street from his business, why didn't he just go talk to the cops and have them deal with it?
Needless to say I won't be spending any money in that store.”
-Michael Reinfeldt | Reedsburg WI | November 20, 2011
Letter on: 'It's not even about Scott Brown'
“Boy, I gotta move -- or find new co-workers & in-laws -- because I'm not seeing any big change in the pro-Walker yahoos where I live/work here in SE Wisconsin/Milwaukee area. I have seen a number of signature collectors and a sister of mine is doing that. She predictably reports a lot of pro-recall people ("can I sign with TWO hands!") but also the typical number of snarky conservatives and indecisive independents.”
-Eddie | Oak Creek, WI | November 19, 2011
Letter on: 'It's not even about Scott Brown'
“Lower headlines on the front page of today's Eau Claire Leader-Telegram trumpet, "Recalls to cost $650,000 . . . and counting." The story goes on to give a loose breakdown of this figure and to say that it could increase. While nothing is said about "unaffordability" of this expense, the implication is clear.
The story, on its face, deserves no more status than that of a sidebar to the real news which is how the Walker recall effort is off to a magnificent start - that the enthusiasm is indeed tangible, with people braving the cold, collecting signatures on numerous street corners all over the Eau Claire area. But the Leader-Telegram, in its role as a compliant little cog in the Mainstream Media, chose to focus on something that might, at most, prove inflamatory to the small minority of Wisconsinites who still support the little tyrant in Madison.”
-Charles Kuehn | Fall Creek, WI | November 19, 2011
Letter on: 'It's not even about Scott Brown'
“"I have yet to meet a single Walker supporter."
That seems to be the landscape around the Eau Claire area - unless I too hang around the wrong crowd. The enthusiasm is downright tangible, with people everywhere collecting signatures. Still, the Mainstream Media proclaim it will be a "close call" on the signatures, and a wild shot in the dark at election time. We'll see, won't we?”
-Charles Kuehn | Fall Creek, WI | November 19, 2011
Letter on: Jobs, Jobs
“Wait a minute! Walker and his rubberstamp legislators have repealed truth-in-sex education and replaced it with abstinence only. They did so during the jobs creation special session. Telling kids not to engage in sex is like telling Walker and his buds not to destroy workers' rights. They won't listen and will do what they want.
Now if only the same folks would insist that we teach our kids the dangers of privatizing public assets and services.”
-Pietr Haikuu | Hurley, Wisconsin | November 18, 2011
Letter on: Here we go!
“Yesterday I was in Foley Square in New York with thousands of people demanding ecoomic justice, a fair tax system, and jobs. It's getting cold and I agree that freezing to death in Zucotti Park is crazy. We should be planning a major spring event in Washington to Occupy the Congress and the Whitehouse with people who will listen to the needs of the 99% and let the 1% fend for themselves.”
-Steve Curry | New York, NY | November 18, 2011
Letter on: Here we go!
“I'm not sure about the rest of the state but our headquarters is a reqular beehive of activity, empty petitions go out and full ones come back in. A young man that drives grain truck for me said if I wanted to sign a petition I could go to the local food coop because they had a table set up, so people are finding out where to go.”
-dirtfarmer | Viroqua | November 16, 2011
Letter on: The recall-Walker movement started today...
“Be a part of Wisconsin history: Sign a recall petition and oust the scum.”
-Pietr Haikuu | Hurley, Wisconsin | November 15, 2011
“The police and military serve those in power. Those with the money are the ones in power. When the control freaks feel threatened, they will call out the police.
Question authority... always. There is no alternative.”
-Franz Fripplfrappl | Madison | November 15, 2011
Letter on: Reasons to worry
“I just don't see the correlation between money spent and votes. I mean an informed electorate isn't going to be swayed by sound bites, posters and dancing girls. Only the ignorant voter would cast a ballot without understanding the real issues and base their selection on such. OH! nevermind.”
-Dole O'Mite | Waukesha County | November 15, 2011
Letter on: Reasons to worry
“Yes, there will be millions of dollars spent to salvage the Walker governorship. We're going to be outspent. What I find disturbing are the duplicitous means Republican'ts will use to mess up the recall. Fake candidates to force primaries and thus give Walker and recall senators extra time are bad enough. There are also those who will collect signatures on false recall petitions only to destroy them at the end of the day.
Republican'ts may have money but they obviously have no integrity.”
-Franz Fripplfrappl | Madison | November 15, 2011
Letter on: Reasons to worry
“My suggestion is to talk to Kathleen Vinehout on this issue. Or have her write a blog.
I heard her talk in September about running for election in her district and it was illuminating. Thing is, much of her district gets TV from Minneapolis, one weekly paper, coffee shop talk, and phone calls.
Basically what I'm saying is that money will probably go into places where money goes into - TV, expensive flyers, robocalls.
Where we will have effect is internet and face to face, with if it can be afforded a well placed mailing or two.
As the 99% are showing, bodies can have an effect as well.
Oh, and also cute slogans. Like if they were to run Erpenbach - I hear you. Or I listen.”
-Ssuan Hagstrom | `Madison, WI | November 15, 2011
Letter on: Chelsea to the rescue
“Re: The Republican "recall integrity site" http://www.recallintegritycenter.com/
I just posted an incident: The filing of papers last week by a Walker contributor for the purpose of opening the contribution floodgates, not actually collecting signatures.
We are talking about "integrity" here, aren't we?”
-Evan Richards | McFarland, Wisconsin | November 14, 2011
Letter on: Chelsea to the rescue
“On the subject of conflicts between the media and politics, how about adding in the lobbying efforts of major corporations. The 2012 Obama campaign recently hired Broderick Johnson as a top aid. Prior to this he was with a law firm that represents major corporations lobbying congress, including TransCanada which is trying to exploit the Canadian tar sands, apparently the dirtiest CO2 around. This guy is married to NPR News Anchor Michele Norris. Now that's the full trilogy.”
-dd | Hudson, Wi. | November 14, 2011
Letter on: Now, now. Hitler and Stalin?
“Polls still show the state nearly split whether to recall Walker. This is an ominous sign, not that a recall won't work but that there are so many Wisconsin people who think Walker is OK and what he has done matters not.”
-Maria Caliente | Middleton, Wisconsin. | November 13, 2011
Letter on: No way!
“There's STILL a little part of me that remains stunned from the 1980 election of Ronald Reagan, and that was after having seen the resurrection of Nixon in 1968 and even his re-election in 72. I recall that I wasn't 100% excited about Carter in '80 (a little too religious & conservative for my taste) but he was all-in-all a good solid president who did a relatively minimal amount of warmongering, so I figured that even after the media got done trying to hype-up the presidential race that the electorate would repudiate the smarmy Reagan and his throw-away-line solutions to the complex problems we had/have.
And I agree with Ty above that the re-election of W back in 04 was one of the most disturbing presidential election results, 2nd in my mind to the 80 election in jaw-dropping incredulity. It's one thing for the voters to be lazy (ie; not do any real research on a candidate and just go by his/her campaign slogans, which is like according a telemarketer serious respect) and elect a dullard like W initially, with the rationalization that "oh, they're all the same and he'll be just like his father when he gets in", but when he screws things up such that we have 9/11 happen on his watch, and then uses it as a rationale to attack an unrelated country (Iraq), you'd think that then even many of these lazy voters would've started realizing that this guy was NOT helping this country, much less many foreign countries.
So I too will not rule out the very realistic possibility that we'll have one of these right-wing crazies as POTUS in 2013. Too many of he voters have proven time & time again that they gobble up that crap, so why would anyone bet against it? Though the worsening economic conditions should theoretically favor a Democrat, the Dems have slid too far to the right (partially because of the above-noted voter choices in previous elections) to provide much leadership of pro-worker policies, and with an entrenched conservative media sanitizing these Republicans, it'll probably be a much closer race than it should be (and I'm no Obama fan).
And as far as jobs, keep in mind that nowadays companies are often making siting-changes, so there'll always be some small amount of 'background' gains/losses of jobs, no matter who's in political power. For instance, the company I work for is considering moving 2 or 3 jobs from the southern US to northern Illinois, but that's not related to anything political, just normal logistical business decisions.”
-Eddie | Oak Creek, WI | November 13, 2011
Letter on: Now, now. Hitler and Stalin?
“I couldn't agree with you more about Matthews interviewing style, and of course he's not alone in that - - from what little I've seen, it appears that it's standard fare on Fox (O'Reilly, etc) when they have anyone on whom they don't agree with. Even guys like Larry King do it to some extent UNLESS it's some BIG name criminal like John Giotti or Henry Kissinger. Even if they have a guest on whom they (or I) don't agree with, these impatient hosts just come off sounding like an insecure 10 yr old with ADD and make even an abhorrent guest seem vaguely pitiable. I don't know why the guests put up with it (other than broad exposure), and I don't know why viewers continue to watch it --- it certainly keeps me away from those programs, even if there's a guest I might want to hear. The C-Span interviewers do a LOT better job, so that their interviews turn out to be about the guest, and NOT some sort of forum for the host's impatience where he apparently scores points for each breathless interruption he/she makes.”
-Big Em | Milwaukee, WI | November 12, 2011
Letter on: Now, now. Hitler and Stalin?
“Probably not.”
-nonheroicvet | Egoton, Wi | November 12, 2011
Letter on: Now, now. Hitler and Stalin?
“Matthews. A legend in his own mind.
Recall fatigue. Whistling past the graveyard. Time for Walker to be checking out housing options other than Madison.”
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | (Glad) I Escaped, WI. | November 12, 2011
Letter on: Now, now. Hitler and Stalin?
“Boycott the bankers, move your money to a credit union!!”
-Michael Reinfeldt | Reedsburg WI | November 12, 2011
Letter on: No way!
“I was sure that George W. Bush would not be re-elected.
I was wondering about those jobs(few as they may be)being created in my homeland. Down here by the border I've seen a couple stories on the local Chicago news about companies moving their operations into America's Dairyland. I am skeptical of the way these statistics are kept. These companies move from Illinois to Wisconsin, but I am convinced that most of the employees of those companies are following along-by either moving into Wisconsin or making the long commute. In a economy like this, it is something that makes a lot of sense. So I wonder about these jobs that aren't that great(but any job is great-right now)and how many Wisconsinites are getting them.
The trend that I see, is that President Obama will become bolder and bolder as the situation warrants. I wish there was more pressure on him from the Republicans running so he would have to become a full-fledged Democrat, again. He will be hard to beat, however, and with his re-election and a senate majority preserved, we can hold on and keep the country alive. We are not losing and if the world's economy turns around, the Teabaggers will be handed their hats.”
-Ty O'Mara | Grayslake, IL | November 12, 2011
Letter on: Supreme disappointment
“A "dispassionate panel of experts" will compile a list of candidates for the governor? It's a nice idea, but I'd have to see it to believe it, and even then I probably wouldn't believe it.”
-Jen | Madison, WI | November 11, 2011
Letter on: Still looking
“I suspect the Crummydats are going to have a hard time finding a sucker for this race. Who the heck would want to replace Walker and face a legislature still essentially controlled by the Repugs? They would be sure to play the same game on that person as they have been doing with Obungle.
As for the state party all I can say is, well, I can't really say it here. Bottom line. They suck.”
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | (Glad) I Escaped, WI. | November 10, 2011
Letter on: The uniter
“"The political process is sick with spin and deception. But the biggest lie of the past year has been the suggestion, peddled primarily by Walker but also by the most disingenuous of his supporters, that anger with the governor is confined to the liberal precincts of Madison or the Democratic neighborhoods of Milwaukee."
The paragraph above illustrates what will be the most difficult aspect of removing those vermin from our state government - namely an unflinching tendancy of the right wing-owned media to spin everything from a conservative perspective. Thanks for telling it like it is.”
-Charles Kuehn | Fall Creek, WI | November 10, 2011
Letter on: Let the business community educate our kids!
“If the business community wants to educate anyone they should begin with their own little selves! They say they don't hire because there is no demand. I have news for them. If Henry Ford had waited for demand he would have died in his bicycle repair shop. He innovated and created demand and called it the Model T.
If these clowns spent half as much time doing research and marketing as they do playing Wall St games and lobbying we would have full employment, street cars, cheap home based solar energy production, ultra high efficiency pellet stoves, pellets to use in them made from all of our trash, etc. etc. etc. etc.......
Face it, the gang that is stuck in stupid needs a special school just for their own little selves. In the meantime please let our commonly owned public schools alone. Nobody invited you to this party.”
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | (Glad) I Escaped, WI | November 9, 2011
Letter on: Whoopee!
“It was a bad night for the TeaGagger, Republicant Right Wing Regressives. GOOD!
Next on the agenda - Corporate Personhood. If corporations were people half of them would be in jail by now.
Push, push, push, and never give a damned inch!”
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | (Glad) I Escaped, WI. | November 9, 2011
Letter on: Whoopee!
“Wisconsin voters would benefit from the ability to hold referendums on bad legislation. Cheaper and more effective than a recall. Would also get voters actively involved in the legislative process. Recalls and waiting for terms to complete are not effective means to get what we want.”
-Maria Caliente | Middleton, Wisconsin. | November 9, 2011
Letter on: Let the business community educate our kids!
“I think Mr. Rodriguez has tried too hard to discount what Ed is saying. While a degree may not be all that important as to certain occupational opportunities - it would be very difficult for one to discuss educational reform who has spent little time in the educational system, and even more difficult for someone who seems to loath those who have.
It also seems the most important point Ed is making over and over again - we are seeing a Republican scripted process as to "privatizing" just about everything - and when we see their efforts to control and destroy our public institutions such as schools, that should be scary to all of us. Unless you are one of the elite who have the power of the purse.
And, just like with the railroad funding - rather than come in and speak to those nonpartisan professionals from the Departments of Transportation from various states who have been working on future plans for decades as to how we will move people in the future throughout our state and provide for economic development - our governor simply made a unilateral decision based on payback for those who paid for his election.
In Eau Claire we have just completed (needed) work on about a mile or so of roadway - cost, $30,000,000. $800 + million for rail update, rail subsidy, approximately $7 million a year, no money however. Voter ID law, approximate cost, $7 million annually - no problem.”
-Steve Anderson | Eau Claire, WI | November 9, 2011
Letter on: Let the business community educate our kids!
“AR - what are you smoking, or are you job-seeking and trying to pad the Google results from prospective employers' searches on your name? Cause I've worked for medium to large corporations for the past 35 yrs, and read article like this*, and the amount of benevolent, beneficial businessmen (never a 2-digit percentage to begin with) has certainly fallen over the past few decades. Remember that the 'business community' consists of the 80% of small business owners who will fail within the first 5 yrs. It also consists of the high-profile crooks & scam artists that make the national news (the Madoffs, the Enron crowd, etc, etc). Also, even IF you do find ONLY 'successful' businesspeople, that doesn't necessarily indicate that there'll be any transference of that 'expertise' to other areas. My plumber is very knowledgeable about fixing plumbing problems, but I wouldn't hire him to fix my electrical wiring or my automobile - - - they're different arenas.
* http://www.commondreams.org/view/2011/11/08-7”
-Edward | Oak Creek, WI | November 8, 2011
Letter on: Supreme disappointment
“Mr Kraus would more ably serve the cause of campaign/election finance reform, and humanity in general, by talking to his old Republican cronies --- especially the SCOTUS ones in the person of Scalia, Thomas, et al. about THEIR decisions to equate corporations with persons and the resultant exorbitant spending. Of course that's assuming he was serious about the subject and not just using it as a distraction, a political diversion to try to take subtle shots at Democrats under the guise of an impartial reformer...”
-Big Em | Milwaukee, WI | November 8, 2011
Letter on: Let the business community educate our kids!
“I thought you tried too hard with this piece. Having a degree is not as relevant as you think when it comes to making decisions about educational policy. One thing about the business community that you fail to mention is that they are comprised of individuals that are successful at the things they do. Now look at MPS. Now look at the business community. Now look at MPS again.”
-Aaron Rodriguez | Franklin, Wisconsin | November 8, 2011
Letter on: Let the business community educate our kids!
“All a good conservative needs to become "educated" is a bible, I suppose. Perhaps cons figure schools are merely one way to keep kids occupied on their way to adulthood. Walker has all but destroyed the teaching profession as it exists in Wisconsin with his union busting and his subsequent denial of benefits for one of the most important groups of dedicated professionals our kids will ever encounter, namely, teachers. Not only this, Walker and his cabal have threatened teachers with dismissals based on student test performance.
I find it interesting that he doesn't go after the medical community to weed out the bad practitioners. Those he protects with tort reform and caps on malpractice suits.
Walker and conservatives are scheming to control an entire future generation of kids. I wonder if he has illusions of the good North Korea accomplishes through brainwashing and its authoritarian control.”
-Pietr Haikuu | Hurley, Wisconsin | November 8, 2011
Letter on: Let the business community educate our kids!
“How much longer before our schools have tests that will measure political tendencies and obedience to those in power? How long before those in power start legislating how we think?”
-Maria Caliente | Middleton, Wisc. | November 8, 2011
Letter on: You get what you pay for
“The United Stares is no longer a nation, it is a labor camp. The 'two parties' and the government are paid servants of the 1% and they act accordingly. Workers are not treated as people, we are treated as a commodity.
People need to stop hoping that corrupt political and economic systems will somehow change, and push for meaningful transformation. No corporate sponsored politician is ever going to lead, corporations must be taken out of the process of government.”
-Ron | SoCal | November 7, 2011
Letter on: You get what you pay for
“All this talk of lowering wages is annoying.
Hasn't anyone figured out that paying people more and giving benefits makes for a healthier workforce? Workers who earn more spend more. They also pay higher taxes.
Are we taking the workforce back to the days of slavery? Next, will they take away our vote?”
-Franz Fripplfrappl | Madison | November 7, 2011
Letter on: You get what you pay for
“Let's not forget about our public libraries as conversations about privatization abound. These great bastions of democracy could be in peril along with schools, police and fire departments if they are held out to the highest bidder.
Public libraries are one of the community services that should be held by the public. Our democracy depends upon an informed electorate and an educated society. Public libraries are key to connecting citizens to resources that help ensure an informed and educated citizenry.
The wise and brilliant readers of Fighting Bob don't need to be told what will happen to public libraries should they be privatized. We can kiss intellectual freedom good-bye and cry a tear for the last venerable institutions where citizens can receive a free education.”
-Pamela | Sun Prairie, WI | November 7, 2011
Letter on: Supreme disappointment
“John Grisham's novel, THE APPEAL, details how a Mississippi Supreme Court candidate is elected to the court by special forces using tainted money. Sadly, the story is believable for any state in the union where justices are elected. I don't know if appointed justices would be better or not. After reading Grisham's novel, I think it may be worth trying an appointed system.”
-Steven Arvid Anderson | Appleton, Wisconsin | November 7, 2011
Letter on: Still fighting?
“I would like to recommend a book that will shed more light on religious fundmentalist and cause readers to understand better just how pervasive those who are members can be - now, in the past and in the future.
It will also help us to understand just why so much pandering is being done by the current Republican candidates for the presidency.
The book is C Street by Jeff Sharlet.
As an aside, we are becoming more and more like Mississippi - when will our turn come to have the same obscene vote they will take tomorrow? - and it sure isn't the kind of place where I wish to live!
We need to have a man get pregnant - just putting on those expensive suits and ties should give them some sense of who "bears" the brunt of all the discourse as to birth control.”
-Steve Anderson | Eau Claire, WI | November 7, 2011
Letter on: Still fighting?
“Give credit to the "dirt farmer." He raises the most important concern: food. Will we have enough to share with the world? I hope we can produce enough to keep everyone sustained. But at the same time, I do not hear that China is paying it's suicidal teenage workers 15 or 20 dollars an hour with benefits. More like a dollar an hour. They don't have any sense of the modern world that the United States of America has created. Yes, I agree we are a pampered nation. Our citizenry is just now realizing that we are behind. It takes awhile for the message to sink in, because we have been used to so much abundance.
Am I calling for a trade war? Damn right I am. It is a hoax folks, that we will just lose any- thing that even resembles a trade war. We can only win--we are the buyers. Who wants you to think that a trade war will destroy us? How about GE and all the multi-national corporations who could give a damn where they were allowed to flourish. The same people who spend millions to decide our elections. I'm sorry, they are not really people.
It is time to circle the wagons, friends. Let us pull in our horns, whatever that means, and close the borders, while we take care of every single human being living in this great land. Every single person--why, because we can and we can put everyone to work. It is very important that we make the goverments of the world come to us. Why? Simply because this nation knows how to respect humans more than any government in the history of the world. We can dictate the world we live in. I know I sound like an egotist,it is just that we have the undisputable power to pull this off. Dirt Farmer made me say it.”
-Ty O'Mara | Grayslake, IL | November 7, 2011
Letter on: Still fighting?
“An issue I thought that would have been settled years ago regards the development of good cropland into subdivisions, such as turning 800 acres of prime farmland in Middleton into houses. That is some of the best land in the state. As a farmer currently harvesting corn, I see first hand the difference my good cropland has over my more marginial land, same input, but 200 bu. corn vs 100 bu. corn.Don't let it happen folks, it is already doubtful if we can feed 7 billion people,much less 9 billion. The more land that is paved over, the higher food prices are going to go, you can take that prediction to the bank. And to think the Republicans want to throw out Smart Growth, one of Tommy's biggest success stories.”
-dirtfarmer | Viroqua, Wis. | November 6, 2011
Letter on: Where did I put that $700 million?
“Money is just numbers. Debts are numbers, too. The millions and billions that CEOs and banksters take in are big numbers and the rest of us get stuck with smaller ones.
Since we are only dealing with numbers, what would happen if we could write off all personal debt two weeks from today? I bet those holding our debts would survive long after their last whimper. The rest of us would be relieved and could move forward unencumbered. The economy would bounce back quickly and the market would rejoice with higher returns. This defies economic theories on all sides, I know.
Seems like a simple fix that would help us all, but then I tend to be of simple mind except when I am not. There's nothing wrong starting over with a clean slate.”
-Maria Caliente | Middleton, Wisconsin | November 2, 2011
Letter on: Dark cloud replaces ho hum
“There seems to be many in Wisconsin who disapprove of Walker and who think we need to wait for the next election cycle to get rid of him. These people think it is undemocratic to have recalls because recalls defeat the election process. Maybe it is time to think of recalls as our democratic tool to get rid of elected officials who do not represent the people and who threaten our state's government and future. Walker is just one example of a person who fooled many to get elected and then who went on with his own hidden agenda. Our democracy depends on free and fair elections so we have representative government. The representatives must be held accountable and remain recallable. Period.”
-Pietr Haikuu | Hurley, Wisc. | November 2, 2011
Letter on: Dark cloud replaces ho hum
“I saw the Perry vid from last Friday. I think he snorts Koch.”
-Franz Fripplfrappl | Madison | November 2, 2011
Letter on: Where did I put that $700 million?
“Gee... I wonder if he was using it for 'job creation' like all these millionaire/billionaires are reportedly doing??”
-Big Em | Milwaukee, WI | November 1, 2011
Letter on: Naming our price
“Lets see - a 50% severence tax on the ore that would go to the State. We could put it aside for the future and when the public costs of mining increase we will have the money - a lockbox. Just like we did with Social Security in the 80s. What could possibly go wrong with that?
Should the State Government find the local municipality deserving of aid, local needs could be met.
Wanna bet there would be a mining impact in Waukesha County that requires aid?
How about a Wisconsin version if Minnesotas IRRRB that would concentrate the aid to four or five counties affected by mining and let local government deal with local issues instead of running all the money through that huge skimming operation in Madison.”
-nonheroicvet | six miles from the big hole, WI | November 1, 2011
Letter on: Naming our price
“Yes, Governor Scott Walker was foolhardy in promising 250,000 jobs in his bid for the governorship. Certainly, Wisconsin is not an island. It is part of a larger governmental control system that is antagonistic to jobs and job creation. This antagonism to job creation is portrayed partially in pecuniary penalties such as payroll taxes, income taxes, sales taxes, savings taxes, and profit taxes.
But surely Wisconsin can draw on its progressive roots and be a leader, not being content with the property tax exemption for machinery and equipment used in manufacturing. No! All capital should be exempt from property taxes. Let me labor the point further. All labor and capital should be exempt from taxation.
But do I detect a profit envy in your pleading to share the profits of Gogebic Taconite– profits that you have not earned? Many people today regard government as an ATM machine in which one can draw out unearned income originating from someone else's earned income or profit. If that unearned income is not forthcoming, then an unearned anxiety may crop up along with the profit envy. Granted, this may not sound as sexy as penis envy and castration anxiety in Freudian psychoanalysis, and may be why economics was coined the dismal science.”
-Ernest Martinson | Hayward Wisconsin | November 1, 2011
Letter on: Naming our price
“How can anyone put a price on clean water, clean air, a healthy people, the joy of hiking down a forest path or scrambling over a rugged hill, biking a lonely road beneath a stained-glass canopy of another brilliant Wisconsin autumn, a meaningful moment with a brookie, a glimpse of a deer or bear, the song of a loon?
Impossible, you say? Obviously you don't support mining interests nor the rape of the planet.”
-Pietr Haikuu | Hurley, Wisconsin | November 1, 2011
Letter on: Reasons to run
“I think you are being a little too critical here. Especially when it comes to finding good Dems to run. Think about this.
To be the perfect Dem candidate you would have to: Be a pro-union owner of a small business, belong to lots of organizations but agree that the whole system is rotten, have lots of "connections" and have served in government but run against government. You would also have to be a hunter but admit that you are a bird watcher and if you wore leather and fur the animals that made the products must have voluntarily committed suicide in the wild. You would have to be a tough guy with a warm side that loves the arts. You would have to admit to reading and writing poetry while you clean your deer rifle. You would have to be for quiet sports and be able to wax your XC skis just as fast as you can break down and repair your snowmobile. You would have to be able to hold their feet to the fire but never come across as "negative" and all the while be against big money in politics as you self-fund a campaign costing at least 100K. No, it ain't easy to find a candidate like THAT. They don't exactly grow on (organically raised) trees you know.”
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | (Glad) I Escaped, WI. | November 1, 2011
Letter on: Naming our price
“So, the mining company will create jobs. OK, lets just set the other arguments aside for a moment and ask this. Where will those employees come from?
The Penoke Hills area is not exactly a densely populated area. I mean, a new steel mill in Milwaukee and we know who would be lining up for work but the Penoke Hills? So, how many boomers, drifters, and camp followers are going to come into town? Are they the same ones that are living in tin teepees in boom oil fields of North Dakota now?
Where are they going to live? What kind of housing will they be able to get, and what will that do to their earnings? And if they are out of job now how will they pay for their new digs up in the hills?
And then there is the local population. Sure, a few will rake in the cash but what about the demand on the schools, the roads, garbage collection and disposal, other services, policing, etc. etc. etc.? Who will pay for that?
Keep thinking folks, keep thinking.”
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | (Glad) I Escaped, WI. | November 1, 2011
Letter on: Where did I put that $700 million?
“$700 million is a nice chunk of change. Ask anyone who earns $10 an hour without benefits or even a personal day off. The race is on... who will get to heaven first?”
-Franz Fripplfrappl | Madison | November 1, 2011
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